Dreweatts Auction Offers Rare Cartier London Tanks Alongside Rolex, Patek, and Military Gems
Dreweatts is set to present a curated selection of timepieces in its "Fine Watches and Luxury Accessories" online auction on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 10:30 AM.
While the sale features a comprehensive range of luxury items, the watch segment is headlined by exceptionally rare vintage Cartier London Tanks, complemented by other highly desirable pieces from brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Breguet that will appeal directly to dedicated enthusiasts and collectors.
Spotlight on Cartier London: Provenance and Heritage
The auction shines a light on Cartier's independent London workshop, an influential creative hub that operated with experimental freedom from the Paris and New York branches during the mid-20th century. These pieces showcase a distinct design language, blending classic Cartier elegance with a unique "London attitude."
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1967 Cartier Tank Louis, Ref. 8038 (Lot 470): A centerpiece of the sale. This 18K gold Tank Louis is powered by the manual-wind Calibre K821. Its provenance is significantly boosted by the inclusion of the original Cartier London invoice dated 1969, a detail that sharply enhances its collector value and authentication.
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Estimate: £15,000 – 20,000
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1976 Cartier Tank, Ref. 184 (Lot 466): This 18K gold model is notable for its Jaeger-LeCoultre manual-wind movement, a collaboration found in select London-made Tanks just before the branches consolidated. This connection between two respected manufactures is a key talking point for movement enthusiasts.
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Estimate: £8,000 – 12,000
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Collectible Powerhouses: Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Breguet
Beyond Cartier, the catalogue features several marquee watches from brands revered for their heritage, movements, and design.
| Brand | Model/Reference | Significance for Collectors | Estimate |
| Rolex | Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II, Ref. 16710 | A popular and highly sought-after reference for the iconic "tool watch" GMT complication. | £6,000-8,000 |
| Patek Philippe | Ellipse, Ref. 3589 (18K Gold) | A mid-century classic from one of watchmaking's "Holy Trinity," featuring a respected automatic movement. | £2,500-3,500 |
| Patek Philippe | Lady's Cocktail Watch (Platinum, c. 1923) | A historically significant piece, representing the brand's early 20th-century craftsmanship. | Not listed |
| Breguet | Marine Hora Mundi, Ref. 3700 (18K Gold) | A modern, high-complication piece featuring a world-time function from a brand with unparalleled horological history. | £8,000-12,000 |
Military and Niche Interest: Lemania Chronograph
Enthusiasts focused on vintage military watches will find a significant piece in the catalogue:
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Lemania, British Military Single Pusher Chronograph (c. 1960): This stainless steel chronograph features a single pusher design and bears the Broad Arrow mark and military numbering on the case back. Military-issued chronographs are rare and consistently fetch high collector interest for their historical connection and robust movements.
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Estimate: £1,500-2,500
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In summary, the Dreweatts auction presents a strong cross-section of collector-grade watches, from the specific heritage and provenance of the Cartier London pieces to the core investment appeal of vintage Rolex and Patek Philippe, ensuring the sale garners attention from the global watch community.
